Losing a job can be an extremely difficult experience — and not an uncommon
one these days. Many people react by
plunging into a job search immediately,
especially if they don’t have much money
in reserve.

your career,your life

If you are facing this, take time to get your
emotional life in order before rushing to
send resumes to everyone you know. Talk
with supportive family and friends. Process
what has happened and plan for the future.
Grieve, regroup and get back on track.

Network. Talk
to friends, neighbors, church
members, former
classmates, colleagues, your
financial adviser and insurance agent. Start
with people you know and expand your
network. Your goal is to connect with people in the know — who can tell you
where the jobs are, who the key decision
makers are and what the company needs.

LINDA

CONKLIN

Apply for unemployment. Do this as
soon as possible because it could take several weeks until your first check arrives.
Determine how much money you will
have to live on until you find another job.
In this highly competitive job market, your
search could take longer than you expect.

Take into account your financial wherewithal. Consider severance (if any), savings,
investments, insurance policies with loan
provisions and possessions you can sell.
Involve your family in making a budget.
They are more likely to stick with it if they
have been part of the decision-making
process. Minimize credit card spending; try
to keep your credit card for emergencies
only. Eliminate any nonessential expenses
— this is not the time for a vacation, even
if you feel the need to get away.

Create a compelling 30-second commercial. It will help the people in your network
help you. Be sure they understand what
you do and what type of job you are seeking. Ask them for information, advice and
referrals — not a job. Talk to them about
the companies you have targeted. Do they
know who is in charge of hiring? What is
the best way to apply for a position? Who
might have information about job openings? Follow up with these people. Ask
them for more names.

Update your resume. Match what you
have to offer to the market. Give people a
reason to hire you. Use accomplishments to
show what you can do.

Build on your career strengths. What can
you do extremely well? What experience
do you have that can add value to another
employer? What are your transferable skills?
Do not limit yourself to your past industry,
company or job title. You might need to
repackage your skill set and try something
different.

Create structure for yourself. Plan to
spend 25 hours a week actively researching
possible job openings, creating your marketing materials and networking. Attend professional meetings, workshops and job fairs.
Join a support group; many churches have
active job-search groups. Use the rest of your
time to do something that yields immediate
results, such as painting a room or cleaning
out a closet. It will make you feel better.

Assess the job market. Who might be able
to use your skills — a competitor, vendor
or customer? Where is the greatest need for
your experience? Use the Internet, professional journals, newspapers and the local
chamber of commerce to find companies in
your industry. Target companies that are
likely to have jobs that match your skills.

Practice extreme self-care. Avoid using
food or alcohol as stress relievers. Get eight
hours of sleep a night and exercise daily.
Meditate or listen to motivational tapes.
Surround yourself with people who care
about you. Ask for their support.

Take it one day at a time. With enough
well-spent days, things will turn around. ■

Make Google your best friend. You can
easily research just about anything — companies, organizational structure, available
jobs, salaries, products, industry trends and
more. But don’t spend all your time online.
There is nothing like real people to help
find a job.

Linda Conklin, GAA manager of Alumni Career Services,
provides career coaching and monthly teleclasses.
The Aug. 24 teleclass will be “Create Your 30-Second
Commercial.” Conklin’s advice and other career-related
information can be found on the Web at
alumni.unc.edu/career. Contact her at
linda_conklin@unc.edu or (919) 962–3749.